101 Blogs to Help You Deal With Depression

September 16th, 2010

By Kitty Holman

About 9.5% of Americans each year suffer from a mood disorder of some type, and 18.1% must face down some type of clinical anxiety. Depression in its myriad twisted forms is the leading cause of disability between the ages of 15 and 44, sometimes co-existing with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-mutilation, suicidal thoughts or actions and many other serious conditions. Unfortunately, society's entirely unfair stigmatization of the mentally and emotionally unbalanced leads sufferers to feel even more isolated — even leading some to dangerously avoid seeking treatment altogether. However, more and more people are bravely emerging from the wrongfully-imposed shadows to open up to the world about the challenges they must conquer on a daily basis. Nobody suffers alone, no matter how marginalization the general public forces upon them.

Many of the blogs listed here are run by medical professionals, but their advice– nor that of anyone else discussed below — cannot take the place of a personal consultation or psychotherapy. Think of them as learning experiences, each with a story to tell that can provide an idea or a bit of comfort, but not as definitive medical demands. This listing purposely contains resources from an extremely broad spectrum, so do not be surprised to see some focusing on general psychology or comorbid disorders rather than clinical depression as a solo act. Hopefully they can provide some hope and comfort to those afflicted by the wrenching terrors of depression. If, for some reason, readers have come here while contemplating suicide, please search Befrienders International as soon as possible to find the nearest hotline. No matter how desperate depression makes one feel, there are people — strangers, even! — out there willing to love them, embrace them and never make them feel small or neglected or cast aside. Seek their counsel: use them as one more step towards putting Winston Churchill's proverbial "black dog" down.

NKM2's main objective is the de-stigmatization of depression and other mental illnesses, hoping to bring together sufferers as an online support group that simultaneously works towards dispelling mainstream myths. Bring Change 2 Mind shares similar goals, but does not have a blog.

Although obviously not about depression exclusively, Psychology Today does examine the medical, biological and cultural factors of mental illnesses in general. Considering depression does frequently exist with other disorders, the bloggers here do warrant reading.

For 21 years, this blogger had to keep her depression cloaked due to pervasive mainstream misunderstanding. But she bravely opens up about the painful journey with the hopes of encouraging others to get help and realize the true intensity of the issue.

No matter one's background or severity, he or she is welcome to share experiences and serve as a support for the members of the DepressionTribe.com community. With blogs, forums, events and more, there's plenty of opportunities to help heal and be healed.

This amazing woman runs marathons with the intent of de-stigmatizing depression and promoting greater understanding of what patients have to endure. Her updates cover a wide range of relevant topics to open up peoples' minds to the illness's reality.

Postpartum depression is a very real, very misunderstood condition. Katherine Stone manages a blog that delivers personal stories, new research and varying opinions relating back to the eponymous topic. It is a must-read for anyone suffering from postpartum depression — and all their loved ones as well.

Obviously, merely thinking positively is not enough to send the depression demons scurrying away. But Finding Optimism does transcend its title with plenty of useful content on the dos and don'ts of dealing with the serious problems at hand.

Another essential blog dealing with postpartum depression, readers are invited to join in regularly scheduled Twitter chats to discuss the issue and promote greater understanding in society as a whole.

Depression and other mental health conditions — many of which exist alongside the former — impact more than just the sufferer. Family and friends also have to understand what to expect and how they should show support as well.

This community blog brings together those who suffer from panic attacks and their loved ones. Not everyone who suffers from depression necessarily experience panic attacks — and panic attacks do not always indicate innate depression — but the two share enough overlap that these voices deserve inclusion.

Simpsons reference aside, this fun blog does focus on the serious and frequently overlooked issue of postpartum depression at times. But the ultimate message here is one of hope and survival, making it an inspiring read for anyone having to deal with the illness's harrowing effects.

This survivor of postpartum depression suffers from both obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder — which frequently materialize alongside clinical depression. Hers is an inspiring and hopefully relatable story that illustrates how the mentally ill can still function in everyday settings in spite of certain setbacks.

American society may equate money and — to a lesser extent — professional and academic success as the epitome of happiness, but depression is not so narrow-minded. This blog specifically caters to the needs of those who work in the legal field and need to find relief for their mental, physical and emotional torment.

Douglas Cootey suffers from depression, ADHD and a tic disorder, but he puts his literary talents to good use by shedding light on how these conditions come to impact his daily existence. Considering his success as an author, he also serves as an inspiring example of how individuals grappling with these issues can still forge productive lives.

Although a general mental health blog, Therese J. Borchard frequently blogs about the relationship between depression and spirituality — among other topics, of course. Faith and religion do not work for everyone, of course, but those who think they may have some benefits should check out what she has to say.

Author John McManamy, like some others listed here, mainly emphasizes general mental health issues rather than depression exclusively. However, his painstaking research and dedication to breaking the stigmas surrounding psychological disorders deserves acknowledgement.

Antidepressants and other pharmaceuticals may help some people with depression, but for others they may pose potentially fatal threats. Stay updated on the latest news and views about psychiatric drugs before making such a heavy commitment.

Misconceptions unfortunately abound over postpartum depression and what it honestly entails. Fortunately, bloggers like Ivy Shih Leung bravely pull from their experiences to fiercely fight the myths through blogging and other conduits for activism.

This blog provides an extremely effective peek into the reality of recovery from a devastating nervous breakdown. It's brave, it's intimate and it's worth reading for anyone who feels alone in an often callous society.

Christine Stapleton courageously shares both her personal experiences as well as research and news stories related to general depression issues. Be sure to explore the categories for co-morbid disorders and behaviors, too.

Individuals and families suffering from the aftermath of depression or post-traumatic stress who seek healing through spiritual means may want to explore some of the valuable suggestions offered here. Yoga fans will especially appreciate the pointers.

As a general resource about depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks and other mental conditions, chipur stands poised to offer up information and healing to those suffering from them as well as their friends and family.

Tracy Thompson quite literally wrote the book on juggling parenting responsibilities while suffering from depression, and her blog warrants reading by any families grappling with that particular situation.

Like Lawyers With Depression, this blog caters to those in the legal profession who face down the grim realities of the illness. However, it does boast plenty of useful resources for general audiences as well. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many postings focus on stress management.

Depressed individuals may sometimes resort to self-mutilation (also referred to as self-injury or self-harm) to quell their emotional torment. At the S.A.F.E. Alternatives blog, individuals write in with their experiences as an all-in-one therapeutic exercise, conduit for awareness and encouragement to others in the situation.

Beyond Meds is currently on hiatus, but anyone considering psychiatric drugs for the treatment of depression needs to read up on the potential dangers before trying them out. The wrong antidepressants and quitting cold turkey pose numerous physiological and mental threats — including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

Vicarious Therapy is one of the most raw, honest, intense and intimate depictions of life in and out of the couch. Receiving help from a psychological professional does get intimidating ñ and it's never a jolly trip through Candy Mountain ñ but finding a good fit will make all the difference in the world when it comes to recovering.

Through bittersweet drawings, the talented artist Andre Jordan channels his depression and suicidal thoughts into expressive works. He certainly captures the myriad emotions that come flooding in during a down phase.

This anonymous blogger suffers from depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety, opening up the world to the inner workings of the disordered mind and how it applies to everyday relationships and activities.

Outlets such as art and writing provide depressed and disordered individuals with a productive outlet to channel their destructive tendencies. Here, one can read about all the ups and downs of therapy, depression and more.

Click the link above for detailed information on depression, PTSD, self-injury, anxiety, suicide, borderline personality disorder and more ñ straight from someone who must confront these issues on a daily basis.

Sandy Naiman keeps a well-updated blog intended for those who believe they suffer from depression or have recently received a diagnosis. She does frequently blog about other common mental conditions as well.

Those wrenched by negativity, defeatism, hopelessness and other cornerstones of depression and its related conditions need to read this blog ñ their loved ones, too. It's relatable, inspiring, and provides some incredible resources.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety (and oftentimes depression) almost always co-exist, but there are plenty of professionals out there willing to share their knowledge in order to help sufferers get their lives back in order.

Blogger Ryan breaks up his experiences with OCD, depression and anxiety into two categories ñ "Before Counseling" and "After Counseling" ñ for those hoping to follow (and maybe find hope in) his progress.

At the behest of her therapist, a woman suffering from PTSD, bipolar disorder and depression started a blog to get her thoughts out into the world and hopefully educate people on what her conditions entail.

Because men who suffer from clinical depression and other mental illnesses face some unfair stigmas of their own, they need to learn how to reach out and seek a cure for their pain. Take an example from this man and talk to a trusted loved one about getting help.

Mainstream society sadly fails to realize that eating disorders are rooted in depression and anxiety rather than a desire to look pretty. Follow one victim's journey through therapy as she relates the regular ups and downs of the recovery process.

Another extremely valuable, personal account of the negative emotions that cause eating disorders to manifest. Carrie Arnold suffered from anorexia for 9 years, and she bravely opens up about her journey down the rough road ahead of her.

Teen Mental Health Blog may not update as frequently as the others listed here, but it still needs to be read and considered all the same. Parents, teachers and anyone else who lives or works with adolescents need to understand what kind of emotional conditions they may encounter.

Depression can manifest itself in addictive behaviors, and anyone desiring to learn more about the subject would do well to browse this blog's extensive archives. Addiction to everything from the usual drugs and alcohol to more obscure ones like idealism gets covered here.

One of the best of the best blogs about bipolar disorder available almost perfectly summarizes how sufferers have to battle their swings on a regular basis. It's a little bit irreverent and a lot a bit informative and definitely worth checking out. Even readers with a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety can still benefit from a visit.

Depressed individuals who find themselves turning to self-harm in order to cope with their mental torment can find solace here, where others with the same circumstances meet and serve as an online support group.

With a blog, a podcast and more, the Anxiety Guru pulls from 10 years' experience living with generalized anxiety disorder to help spread awareness of the mental, emotional and physical effects of the condition.

Learn all about the different types of depression, including bipolar disorder, cyclothemia, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression and much more. Michael Pekker has done his best to assemble as much research as possible on the subject in order to keep readers well-informed on such a marginalized topic.

No matter how depression manifests itself in an individual, it causes some intense emotions to burble to the surface and disrupt overall health and well-being ñ many times to loved ones in their vicinity as well. But as callous as mainstream society gets towards those saddled with the burden of mental illness, nobody is ever as truly alone as they feel. Reading these blogs, no matter the authors, provide an amazingly educational window into what life with depression (and its comorbid disorders) truly entails. There are people, though text on a computer screen, who do know exactly what sort of mental, physical and emotional toll such conditions take on mind and body alike. Hopefully the afflicted will find such things comforting, while their loved ones gain a clearer picture of what to do to help guide them towards seeking some sort of professional help.